By Isaac Siegemund-Broka
Contributing Writer
One could say that senior Tyler Duncan loves the spotlight.
In just the past few months, Duncan has landed a leading role in Mira Costa’s spring musical, “The Wiz” and won both the Talent Show and the Lip Sync Extravaganza. This exceptional actor, singer and dancer has worked his way to the top with hard work, determination and talent.
From the very beginning of his acting career, Duncan was recognized for his superior abilities. In his first year of drama, he won third place in a 50-person contest for a Shakespeare monologue even though he had no previous experience in theatre. Once he realized his talent, Duncan immediately threw himself completely into acting and dancing.
“I made the choice that I wanted to be good at it,” Duncan said.
Duncan said he tries to be extremely zealous about everything he does. He takes tap, jazz, and contemporary dance lessons two to three times a week. When he is not preparing for an upcoming play or concert, he practices singing and dancing at the Professional School for the Arts in Torrance once a week.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I have incredible drive and passion for anything that I do, so I think that’s what pushed me to the top,” Duncan said.
In his freshman year, Duncan auditioned for and was a part of Costa’s spring musical, “Seussical.” Since then, he has been in five other Costa plays, including the latest shows, “The Apple Tree” and “Crazy For You.”
Duncan will play the Tin Man in the spring production of “The Wiz.” He said he loves his role because the songs are challenging and his character allows him to expand his acting abilities.
“It’s been a great experience. I’ve definitely worked my way up from being nothing to being one of the leads in the show,” Duncan said.
In his junior year, Duncan joined the vocal ensemble as a tenor. He also sang at Walt Disney Concert Hall when the vocal ensemble performed there the same year.
“[Singing] gives me a chance to express a story or emotions through an art form all my own, like a unique instrument only I can play,” Duncan said.
In the Talent Show this year, Duncan worked with senior Joe Sanders to perform The Script’s “The Man Who Cannot Be Moved,” for which they won the first-place prize.
“Tyler is one of the most talented and inspirational people I’ve ever met. I have a sneaking suspicion that many people throughout the musical theater business and New York are going to know his name 10 years from now,” Sanders said.
Both busy with schoolwork, the pair practiced whenever there was a spare minute.
“If you’ve ever seen me backstage, I practice until the last second before I step on stage. That’s something a lot of performers don’t like to do because they don’t want to psych themselves out,” Duncan said. “I train, practice and work so hard so that when I get on stage, I know that I’ve done everything I can.”
Duncan, along with senior Sarah Bartholomew, also just took first place in Costa’s annual Lip Sync Extravaganza. The duo performed to the Black Eyed Peas’ “Boom Boom Pow” and choreographed a dance to the number.
As well as acting and singing, Duncan runs track, writes and volunteers at a daycare called Del Aire Day Camp. Duncan has volunteered there for the past four summers and past three winter breaks, even choreographing two dances for a talent show there. In 2009, he was awarded Volunteer of the Year for the Los Angeles County.
“The joy I got from helping my younger sisters throughout their lives gave me the motivation to want to spread that to others and ultimately help kids who don’t have positive role models in their life,” Duncan said.
Tyler Duncan has brought himself to be one of Costa’s top actors, singers and dancers. He said that his love for drama and desire to improve are the driving forces behind his great success. Duncan also said that he hopes to continue singing, acting and dancing through and after college.
“In the future I plan on getting my nursing degree while auditioning for acting parts on the side. The ultimate goal is to be able to provide for myself by helping others and doing what I love,” Duncan said.
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